Sister of accused killer held without bail in murder conspiracy

BRENTWOOD - A Maine woman accused of helping her brother in the murder of his ex-wife by allegedly providing a gun was ordered held without bail Monday morning.

Michele Corson, 43, of Skowhegan, Maine, was arraigned in the 10th Circuit Court, Brentwood District Division, via video from the Rockingham County jail, where she is being held on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and accomplice to first-degree murder.

According to state prosecutors, Corson brought a .32-caliber German Mauser pistol to her brother, Aaron Desjardins of Epping, as part of a murder conspiracy that involved him, his current wife, Sarah Desjardins, and his sister.

The three are accused of plotting the murder of Amanda "Amy" Warf, who police said was killed by her ex-husband inside a vacant concrete plant in Exeter on March 7.

Senior assistant attorney general Susan Morrell said Sarah Desjardins sent a text message to Corson in February or March asking her to bring the gun. Prosecutors have said the gun was used by Aaron Desjardins to "coerce" Warf into the factory, where he then slit her throat. A fire was also set, which prompted firefighters to respond. They found Warf's body during the fire.

At Monday morning's arraignment, Morrell said Corson faces life in prison if convicted.

Meanwhile, Aaron Desjardins, 36, is charged with first-degree murder, while his wife, Sarah, 34, is also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of conspiracy to commit hindering apprehension or prosecution.

While the state has prosecuted murder conspiracy cases over the years, Morrell said this case isn't typical.

"Here we have a conspiracy involving family members, so I'd say that's a bit unusual," she said.

Corson, who is seeking a court-appointed attorney, is due back in court May 13 for a probable cause hearing.